BRIDGING THE GAP
Opening the door to active fighters is essential for the future of EBAS
I THINK every EBA understands the importance of taking an interest in today’s scene – and being seen to do so.
The current Punch Lines (Essex EBA’S monthly newsletter) has an item on the 2021 Essex amateur champions, by member Nick Bowyer – and this is to be a permanent feature. I think this is an excellent idea, and one other EBAS might think worth considering. There’s also a piece by member Dave Porter, paying tribute to the hundreds of amateur trainers in England, headed “The Stalwarts of Amateur Boxing.” In it, Dave notes that trainers dedicate their time to teaching young would-be boxers two or three times a week over many years, for no financial gain – and their enthusiasm never wanes. The part they play is vital.
There are also pieces on Conor Benn’s latest win, and referee Steve Gray’s handling of the Hamzah Sheeraz vs Bradley Skeete bout. Whether or not one agrees with the views expressed, it‘s good to see an EBA following, and taking an interest in, the boxers of today.
Going back a bit, there’s a feature on former pro “Big Bad” John Mcdermott, who won the ABA super-heavyweight title in 2000 and turned pro the same year. By the end of 2002, John had notched up 12 straight wins (nine inside-schedule) and was being touted as a future champion.
The top Brits in the division, though, would prove too much – though John did win the English heavyweight title at the third attempt, halting Pelé Reid in two rounds. He lost the crown to future British champion (and world title challenger) Danny Williams, and failed to regain it in a return – both close decisions. He followed that with a highly-controversial decision loss to Tyson Fury (now the world’s top heavyweight) – and put up a good show in the return before being halted in nine rounds.
John went on to become Southern Area champion and regain the English title with a points win over former conqueror Matt Skelton. That would be John’s last bout, in March 2013 – he retired with a tally of 28 wins and eight losses.
Incidentally, John’s father, Stan, was also a pro heavyweight, campaigning between 1977 and 1982. He won 13 and drew one of 20 bouts, and all but two of his contests were staged at either the Albert Hall or Wembley. Today Stan is the Essex EBA President.
Manchester EBA also supports the current scene, and in its latest newsletter is a “Well done” for local pro Kane
Gardner, who took part in the recent Boxxer super-lightweight tournament. Kane won his quarter-final bout, taking a unanimous decision over Nathan Bennett – but dropped a majority verdict to Tom Farrell in the semis.
The Manchester newsletter normally has a piece by historian Lawrence Yearsley, but this time it’s a piece of fiction! – a ghost story, in keeping with the festive season. Well worth reading.
Manchester aren’t meeting this month – they’re next due to get together on Sunday, February 6 at The Derby Arms, Cheetham Hill Road, 12.30 to 2pm. The newsletter stresses that everyone’s welcome – old members and new. Every Association needs new blood.
The newsletter also records that the late Nat Jacobs would have been 82 on December 1. Nat boxed between 1960 and 1970, won the Central Area middleweight title, and met some of the best 160-pounders around – including future British and Commonwealth middleweight champion Mark Rowe, who died last month.
I saw Rowe box several times – he was another “regular” at the Albert Hall and Wembley – and for many years I’d see him at London EBA meetings, always happy to chat. Mark was trained by another late LEBA member, Bill Chevalley, who was a regular visitor to the BN office during my time there in the ‘70s – every week he would drop in, pick up a paper, and talk about the events of the past week, constantly amazing me with his insight.